A Day Through the Eyes of a Blind Woman

Let's look at an ordinary day with the eyes of a blind person. There is so much to take for granted which is not given to others, for example, because they can't see. What happens with people who are totally blind? All of a sudden, many things are done very differently. Sometimes, accessible technologies will solve the problem. This includes any technology which can be used equally well by those who can see and those who can't. In other cases, special technologies need to be used to achieve the same that others do just by using their sight. This is technology which is specifically developed for blind people.

Let's follow a blind person through a whole work day. For the sake of the example, we will call her Lisa.

We will examine how technology helps Lisa throughout her whole day. We will not discuss anything else, but instances, where information technology can help her. We won't look at any other issues she might be facing. There are many more challenges we could talk about, but in order to overcome those, information technology itself will not solve the problem. In this post, I will only demonstrate how much information technology can make a difference.

When you read about Lisa's day, just think about all the equipments we will talk about for a second. Most likely you have all of these in your household or at work. Do you think she would be able to use it?

Coffee maker

It all starts the day before. It would be nice for Lisa to set the coffee maker for the same time as her alarm clock, so that she could have a fresh cup as soon as she wakes up. However, most coffee makers, especially the fancy digital ones are not that easy to operate. The worst case is that they are operated by a touch screen, where the buttons cannot be distinguished by touch only. While some don't have this problem, Lisa still needs to memorize all the buttons so that she could use her coffee maker. She needs somebody to show it to her. And we didn't even mention the little digital display which helps you see if you set it for the right time. But she has some options here: she can ask a friend to set it up for her for 6 AM, and every day, like it or not, she is having her fresh coffee at 6. This, however, assumes that she won't have a power outage. The other possibility is that she can decide that coffee is good enough five minutes after she wakes up, so she uses a regular, simple, toggle switch operated machine.

Alarm clock

After she decided that the toggle switch machine is good enough, she needs to set her alarm clock. Most likely she won't be able to use the same type of clock you have, she will either need a Braille clock, or a talking one, which you won't find in any store, you have to put in a special order for it. Her other option is to use a wake-up service, for now she will use her land line, we will talk about cell phones later.

Organizing toiletries

So, when she has this all figured out, she is ready to sleep and wake up. She goes into her kitchen, puts on her coffee, and decides to take a shower and get dressed while her coffee is brewing. You may ask, why is this important, we agreed that we will talk about technology only. But hold on for a second. It is reasonable for her to use the body wash and the shampoo at the right place and not the other way around. But for Lisa, these are ordinarily just two bottles of liquid. Way before this morning, she had to figure out which is which, and had to have a system in place so that she won't mix them up. Again, she has a couple of options. She will remember what the bottles feel like when she buys them, which is not too difficult when this is all you use. But have you counted all the bottles and flasks and tubes and containers in your bathroom? It is not all that easy to remember what they all feel like just by heart. You may have a certain place for all of them, or you can specially mark them so that you will remember. One way to do it is to put Braille labels on the less frequently used ones, you just get used to the rest. But this is where Lisa needs some technology. She won't just grab a pen to scribble a word on something, she will need a device that can write on sticky labels, or a simple labeler, and while it is manual, it can safely be called information technology.

The color of clothes

Let's assume Lisa successfully took a shower, after all, it is not a big deal. Now she is ready to figure out what she is going to wear. You would pick up two pieces of clothes, decide if you like it for the day, and check if the color combination matches. Maybe somebody explained colors to Lisa, as good as it gets, but most likely she doesn't really know exactly which goes with which color, though she could possibly memorize a couple of combinations, and here we are not even talking about patterns. Now the question is, how does she know the color of each piece of garment. Theoretically she could remember all of them, but in practice it leaves some room for error. So, most likely she is using some kind of a labeling system. Even as simple as little sticky, washable labels inside the clothes, which give her some indication of what it is, maybe sorted by color. She can't just go to the local store and pick up a set of such labels, she will have to again, specially order it, and we get back to technology, these labels have to be produced somehow. But maybe she figured out a home solution for it. Her other option is to use a color recognizing device, but aside from an expensive investment, it might not be totally accurate, especially with checking multiple colors.

Microwave

Now that she is dressed, she takes a sip of her coffee, and decides to throw a couple of frozen pancakes into the microwave. Remember the issues she had with the coffee maker? She needs to make sure that her microwave has buttons which are easy to distinguish by touch. Then she needs to memorize them or label them. Most likely the numbers are easy to find, but not the extra features. And probably she won't be able to use many of those because of the digital feedback she is getting. Or, she can purchase a talking device, again, not from the local store, and not for the same price.

Separating medications

Before she storms out the door, she remembers that she needs to take her two medications. The are both in pretty similar boxes, and switching them up on a daily basis could be very unpleasant. Ok, now the solution is much easier to get from the local store, she can buy a sorter, but she will still need help identifying the boxes for the first time. However, if she lives in the European Union, by law minimal Braille information is required on the boxes. But here we are at the special technology again, this information needs to be transcribed into Braille, and embossed on the boxes, and mainstream technology will not do here, either.

Really interesting, it’s amazing the things we take for granted and, at least for me, it encourages us to make a tiny part of their lives a little easier: browsing the Web. I look forward to the next installment of the series!

There will always so many things we take for granted, but I think it is always great that once we learn about something and we can make a difference, we incorporate that into our lives. When I started posting an accessibility newsletter, people told me that they are not accessibility experts, they can't do anything about it. So, I changed the concept a bit. I started writing about things that anybody who works with a computer can change. It is amazing how many people got back to me saying that they took so many things for granted, and now they can make a difference.

I didn't realise all that had to go into making it possible for a regular life for someone who needs special care like this because of loss of vision. This is very interesting. It's amazing how technology can provide such services and ways of doing things and making things actually work and extremely useful for anyone.

Technology will keep increasing and improving to the point that it will be as if there's no need to worry about these kind of things being a problem, I'm sure.

It is certainly the matter of being able to obtain more technology, and some things are just not out there. There are certain everyday tasks which are obvious for some, but the current technology would not be able to offer a rasonably similar solution. But the other problem is that there are so many technologies which would take just a tiny bit of adjustment and they would be ready to serve people with disabilities, and yet, it is often not considered.

Glad I came across your blog post, a useful and necessary reminder of the realities out there. With "Accessibility Consulting" I didn't know what to do, but fortunately you have a great sub-title, "Making web sites, documents, software and hardware accessible to people with disabilities" - actually seems more like a mission or purpose statement, very clear and concise. Looking forward to read more, maybe also to find out what the average blogger such as I can do to optimize the accessibility of (our) blogs.

Great technological aspect here! Information Technology is really about giving out not only convenience to people but also how will they be able to use these products to get to their needs. So for blind people like Lisa, it still can be possible for her to experience technology as much as she needs to live normal life. I am so happy that our generation as well has already given great chances to experience these things while it progresses over time.

Thank you for the great observation. Sometimes when you do something for a living, you take things for granted, such as "accessibility consulting". I often use it as the shortest definition for my business. Maybe I should come up with a better tag line.

It is amazing how much technology has progressed over the last couple of decades. While there's a lot more to go, but so many things are possible these days. I remember when Windows came out in the 90's, while there was a screen reader to go with it, it was so much more difficult to browse the net, you see blind people doing more and more on the internet. There are statistics that people with disabilities use the internet much more than others.

Hi Tom,
This is really interesting. I've never stopped to think about how a blind person navigates through his or her day. In the back of my mind, I assumed that someone lived with them to help them. I'm in awe whenever I see a blind person walking alone. Truly amazing.

Cheryl,
You know, it is still the case in many countries. Especially in developing countries, where opportunities are not given, blind people need so much more help, because they are not equipped with all the tools and legislation we take for granted in other countries. Hopefully it will change soon.

Benjamin,
You know, blind people have one advantage over you when you close your eyes. When you feel that you had enough, you can open your eyes. That's your advantage. But their advantage is that they are more accustomed to it, and they learn to live without sight. Have you heard about the museums and restaurants where you walk through in total darkness? Those are some really great "eye openers".

It must be a terrible situation to be in - I simply cannot image it. It must be worse if you once could see and for some reason became blind.

How do you adapt to that situation?

I suppose you just do, somehow.

I know there is little comparison but our dog went blind and he eventually knew how many steps he had to take before turning right into the kitchen or to get up the back step. We were there to lead him at first but eventually after a relatively short period he was able to walk around the house and garden as if he could see.

Great post that begins to make people aware of the need of the visually impaired.
My Father-in-Law is blind. He requires a talking watch so he can be prepared to go when his transportation arrives. The batteries went low and it became inaccurate. No one would change the batteries because they were afraid to be liable. I had to buy a watch repair kit so I could do it for him. Doing without it caused chaos for him.
Your posts are very informative. Thanks!

Andrew,
Adapting is different for every individual. Many people are born blind. They adapt to it the same way as other adapt to not being blind, it's just natural. Of course, around their teenage years when it really hits them that they are left out of so many things, it is harder. But over-all, it is much more difficult to those who lose their vision later. Some lose it because of an accident, some gradually. Some people try to find a purpose in life, depending on what they did before, might not have to do many things differently. Others get depressed. Also, others, understand what it means to see and what it means to be blind, they are teh best people to explain certain things to those who were never able to see.

I've always been interested in usability and accessibility, so this was an interesting read... Often good usability goes hand-in-hand with accessbility, but when you mentioned touch screen, I realized that with smartphones, iPhones and such, touch screen is not automatically the ultimate user interface experience for everyone.

I remember sitting next to a blind person on an aeroplane trip. He had his dog with him so we started talking about the dog. My seat mate had what looked like a normal wrist watch. I asked how he could tell time without being able to see it. He showed me that the clear glass crystal opened and he could feel the position of the hands and the raised dots where numbers were printed. He was very happy to spent the trip explaining to me his various tricks for coping with things. His method for identifying the money in his wallet was each denomination of bills were folded or sequenced a certain way. $1 bills in front $5 folded to the left, $10 folded to the right and $20 in the back of his wallet. Of course he need help with the initial identification of each bill, but once it was put away in the right way he knew what he had for paying for items along the way.

Great article. It makes you realize how much we take for granted each day. I try to start my day, each day, by reviewing a list of things for which I am grateful. I am going to specifically add my good vision to that list. I can't believe I overlooked something so vital as eyesight -- clear evidence that I take my vision for granted, and should not!

It is just wonderful that technology can improve quality for life for people with disabilities. Hopefully, new and great advances in technology will continue to improve their quality of life.

Bruce, those talking watches are great inventions. Though there are also Braille watches, but for people who go blind later on, especially in older age, the Braille watches are more difficult to get used to. The only thing with the talking ones is that in public quiet places, such as classes, or when you are the one making a presentation, it can be a bit uneasy to use. 20 years ago I have seen a talking watch, my Austrian friend showed it to me. It was huge, though pocket size, and cost thousands of Schillings. Today, it is pocket change.

Touch screens are interesting. It is sure the way to go, simply because more and more things are operated by touch screens. So, they need to be made accessible, regardless. And it is possible. I'll post something about how blind people use a touch screen keyboard. But it is also important to have alternatives, for those who can't use it, at all.
And I totally agree with you about usability, actually much of the accessibility requirements, such as in WCAG greatly help usability as well.

I've always wondered about many things like this, so very interesting thanks Tom. In the UK the bank notes are different sizes for blind people (and I think different indentations) and I wondered how they cope in the US, a $400 note reader and folding doesn't seem the easiest option! For mail there are mail scanning services that take your mail and scan it in online. Then perhaps a screen reader could read the mail though I'm not sure how that all works.
Great read, thanks.

I've recently been frustrated that my eyesight is getting worse and I have to wear glasses for reading. The other evening I went to a restaurant with my wife, had forgotten my glasses, and my wife had to tell me what was on the menu! To be totally deprived of sight must be horrendous. Thanks you for this insight.
David

Just recently I posted a short piece about how blind people organize money. This should answer more questions. Unfortunately there is still a long way to go, especially when it comes to the U.S. Dollar.

Lisa,
I guess we all take things for granted. It sure helps to be mindful of these things, but most of are so fortunate that if we counted all the things we can take for granted, we would not have time for anything else. But don't get me wrong, it is still, very important. Every time I reflect on it, life seems to be so much nicer.

Tom,
This is such a nice blog that you have. It reminds everyone of so many things that are taken for granted.
People that are blind are amazing in how they overcome obstacles and have to work constantly to live a normal lifestyle. It must be difficult but then it must be very rewarding when they accomplish some new achievement.
Thank you for explaining some of these situations as you have.
All the best.
Rich Hill

Many of you commented on the fact of what we take for granted, and I can only agree with it. Just to let you know, there is more in the pipeline, I'm preparing some more posts on how people with different disabilities work with technologies. The next will be low-vision, then we can follow a deaf man through his day.

Truly fascinating. Though it isn't the same, it does remind me of when the power goes out. At first, I think "Ok, I can't use the computer, so I guest I'll watch TV." Of course the TV doesn't work, so then I think "Since I can't watch TV, why don't I check my email." Awful cycle where I go nowhere fast.

It's amazing to think about all of the aspects of your life that would need to change if you weren't able to see. Really interesting post!

I tend to move through the house in the dark once the rest of the family is asleep and have often considered what it may be like to be blind. However, this post proves that I have no concept whatsoever of the challenges faced by the visually impaired. I am humbled at the strength of individuals who overcome these obstacles.

Amazing how we always put funding first in the USA before people. Just a few extra dollars would go a long way to assist people with all types of disabilities. I recently interviewed a blind musician who talks about the lack of braille. (You can see my interview on the link above). I had no idea that we don't support braille. Thanks for continuing to inform and educate.

this is really a great post. But it's not only that, it also very necessary! Important to bring people down to earth again. We are always complaining about life's little problems (damn, woke up 10 minutes to late, what a bad day!) but do forget that there are people around that have more and greater problems and the handle them without complaining. I thank God that I am healthy and don't have to struggle with these.

One other thing I would like to mention is the fact, that I think it's important to support people with disabilities but NOT treat them like a little kid. It may make them feel helpless and this is really an odd feeling. Help them to help their selves would be a good approach I think.

Very interesting and thought-provoking. A great idea for a series of posts, as well!

I'd considered some of things you cover here, but many I had not. Like toiletries in the shower, for instance. It's not easy to imagine how EVERY LITTLE THING must be approached from a different angle, when your vision is impaired.

Thanks for the article. A great way I found to contribute to my community is to volunteer 1-2 hours a week/bi weekly/month helping someone who can't see. The Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind has an orientation program for people who want to volunteer and a list of folks who could use a reader or other help in seeing. Contact your local chapter to volunteer, I love the experience.

It's hard to think through all the different things you'd have to consider when you can't see. We take so many things for granted when we can do them easily, like dealing with the digital readouts on coffee makers and microwaves and all. thanks for the reminder that some of us have to really think through how to deal with so many issues!

This article seems a bit patronizing. I'm a blind woman; I've been blind all my life. Its seems this article focuses on how "hard" life is for us. Or how expensive the technology and assistive devices are. So let me explain how I do things:
1. Coffee Maker: My brother showed me the 5 buttons and their functions. Now I know what to push to have it do what I want it to. It's pre-set for a 10am start-up unless I push a single button to shut the feature off.
2. Showering: I have been using the same products for a long time. I know what bottle is what. When I go to the store, I bring someone I've hired to help me. They read the packages for me and after a while, he has no problem knowing what I want when I say I need shampoo.
3. Getting dressed: Same thing with the shopping thing. Now I know I bought a pale pink tank top. I know the shape of it and the feeling of the cloth. I won't forget when I am folding laundry what my pink shirt is. My drawers are organized in a way that I can just put my hand in and "know" what I'm looking for. I hang my clothes in a particular order as well.
4. Alarm Clock: You are able to purchase talking alarm clocks and watches at most electronics stores nowadays. Radio Shack is one. Also purchasing them online has become a fast and cheap option and is no more trouble than you buying online.
5. Medication: My pharmacist puts my medication in different size bottles for me. I bring my braille labeler with me and he places the labels onto the bottles for me. I bought my labeler and tape 10 years ago and it is still working. Not expensive any more.
6. Cell phone: I have an iPhone. The phone is completely blind-friendly and every function speaks. Nothing is left out.
7. Internet and computer: My computer speaks to me using a speech reader. New computers come with a version preinstalled. If not, there is funding available for purchasing equipment, esp if you work or go to school.
8. Money: I can differentiate between coins because they are different sizes and some have ridges. Paper money is harder. I have the bank teller, cashier, or whoever is helping me hand me my money seperately. Ie: $20 bills together. Then I have a folding system I use. $1 bills are folded in half, etc.
9. Getting on the right bus: This is an easy one. I've memorized where to pick up the buses that I take on a regular basis. If I don't know, then I ask the next person I hear walking by. Then when the bus shows up, I ask the driver where he is going and what bus number he is. When I want to get off, I tell him/her my destination.
10. Ordering food: Many restaurants have braille menus. If I'm going to a new restaurant, then I can ask the waitress about what they offer. Sometimes I go just for a specific dish or on a recommendation. My old haunts know me so well they ask if I want the usual. Haha.
You might think memorizing everything is hard but it's really quite easy. I don't even think about it on a regular basis.
Please realize that life for a blind person can and is easy! You just have to look at our abilites, instead of how hard it is.
Thank you for reading!

Dear Sun,
Thank you for the thoughtful and detailed response.
Of course, I did not want to make the claim that this is how each blind person's days are. We all do things differently. I totally see your points about alternatives, and I agree with all of them.
What I meant to highlight in this piece is that there are so many aspects of life which can be made accessible very easily, and yet, no effort is made. Regarding the expense of products, of course, you can find cheap solutions. However, I think it should be common knowledge that there are devices worth thousands of Dollars which are slight compensation for what others can see at no cost. Yes, there are organizations who will pay for these devices, but this is partly why they are so expensive. But what if people would be able to buy such equipments out of pocket and not only from tax Dollars?